Artist description Richard Zimmerman is an internationally known ragtime pianist and historian. Twice awarded the title "Champion Ragtime Performer of the World!"

Music Style Authentic Ragtime Piano

Musical Influences Paul Lingle, Eubie Blake, Knocky Parker, Mae Brown, Pete Wendling, Scott Joplin, William Axtmann, Johnny Maddox, John Philip Sousa, Cap, Andy and Milt, Max Kortlander, Charley Straight, Arthur Pryor

Similar Artists Ragtime & stride pianists and piano roll artists of the ragtime era: Pete Wendling, Charlie Straight, Scott Joplin, James P. Johnson, Jelly Roll Morton, Eubie Blake, and Egbert Van Alstyne.

Artist History Born in Charleston, W.Va,. Zimmerman studied classical piano as a youth. After receiving a Master of Science degree in Structural Engineering from Stanford University he became a founder of The Maple Leaf Club, America's organization which is dedicated to the preservation of classic ragtime. He still edits its bi-monthly publication The Rag Times. In 1968 he originated the first theatrical ragtime revue, "Where It Was!," followed by recording Scott Joplin's complete works and creating the artistic format for the prestigious Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival for which he served as music director for 17 years. As a concert artist he has made worldwide appearances, both live and on television, which include the Montreux (Switzerland) Jazz Festival, the Montreal Jazz Festival, the 100th birthday party concert on Broadway for Eubie Blake and virtually all ragtime festivals. Fortunately, as jazz fans discover ragtime, he is in increasing demand at traditional jazz festivals. Zimmerman has received numerous awards for achievement in ragtime and has twice been awarded the title of "Champion Ragtime Performer of the World."

Instruments Piano and Foot-pumped player piano (as Pianolist)

Albums Scott Joplin — His Complete Works; Scott Joplin, The Entertainer; Scott Joplin's Greatest Hits; The Collector's History of Ragtime; Roots of Ragtime; Gems of Texas Ragtime; Long Lost Blues; Ragtime Favorites; Rare Rags; Don't Say Goodbye, Miss Ragtime (wi

Press Reviews "Richard Zimmerman is America's top ragtime pianist." — Tony Bill, motion picture producer and co-producer of "The Sting." "Zimmerman strikes me as perhaps the greatest ragtime pianist we have now." — H. Wiley Hitchcock, Director, Institute For Studies In American Music, New York" Dick Zimmerman is a real ragtime pianist...and he knows more about its history than I do!" — Eubie Blake ************ Bill Furner (www.mp3.com/tile) wrote, among other things.... "The Entertainer, Ragtime Two-Step (1902) -Thanks so much for gracing the post and presenting this incredible American artform. I loved listening to it, in fact I have played "The Entertainer" on the classical guitar, though I know you can't shove the whole Scott Joplin composition into the classical guitar rendition. Never the less I enjoyed playing the guitar version as well, which makes me really appreciate what an enduring artform ragtime really is.-- Rave 100 for sure!!!!!!" .... "Rats!!! (1914)- What a gem! Great ragtime beat for sure. It is a very good "bring you back in time giver" "Sting" Robert Redford would be proud for sure in this one and of course "The Entertainer". Again this piece is excellent indeed, great rhythm. Rave 100 for sure!" .... "Waiting For The Robert E. Lee (1912) - Love it! Just Love it. You can type to the beat. Classic! Great! This tune is indeed full of great melody, to me it is in fact very easy listening.I view ragtime as truly on one of the greatest American artforms! One that I hope all artist that read these post come on over to your precious site and tip their hats and get entertained I know I have! This tune rates a 100+"; "Loved reading the the note at the bottom of your page in regards to piano rolls and such. Very fun music indeed, and one that deserves to be preserved!!!!!!!!! Enjoyed reading about Richard Zimmerman's accomplishments as well. Wow! It is a must for me to lay down that link! Thanks Ragtime Lady!!!!!!! Rave 100 indeedy..."

Additional Info As ragtime continues to attract new followers, more of Zimmerman's time is spent researching, publishing and recording rare ragtime which has almost become extinct. He is increasingly in demand to present concerts, lectures and symposia.

Location Grass Valley, CA - USA

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